This summer, I spent weeks travelling across Europe, from weddings in Romania and Italy to an entire month exploring Portugal, and stayed seamlessly connected everywhere I went. As someone who often works on the go, reliable mobile internet is essential: for keeping up with projects, staying in touch with friends and family, and navigating new places without stress. After trying several options, I discovered that eSIMs are the most convenient and cost-effective way to get internet abroad. And after some trial and error, I found my favourite provider:Â Holafly, which offered the accessibility, flexibility, and simplicity I needed during a busy travel season.
Hi! I’m Sophie
I am a social scientist and explorer. In my work, I analyse the intersection of politics, technology, and democracy. Nothing makes me happier than learning and discovering the wonders of the world. I consider myself an enthusiastic feminist and self-care advocate.
How eSIMs work
If you’re new to the concept, an eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card that lets you activate a mobile data plan without inserting a physical card. Most newer smartphones support them, and they’re a game-changer for travel. Instead of searching for local SIM cards in each country, you can buy an eSIM online, scan a QR code, and instantly connect to local networks wherever you are.
For multi-country trips in Europe, eSIMs are particularly handy. Many providers offer regional plans that work seamlessly across borders — no more swapping SIMs or juggling multiple numbers. This makes them perfect for people who, like me, hop between countries frequently or spend long stretches working remotely in different cities.
eSIM Providers
There’s plenty of eSIM companies offering mobile internet. A quick Google search will confirm that the wide variety of offers does not make it less difficult to choose. Before settling on Holafly, I experimented with several eSIM providers to figure out which one suited my needs best. Some were cheaper but had complicated activation processes or patchy coverage, while others didn’t offer the data flexibility I needed.
Holafly stood out for several reasons:
Instant setup: Within 3 minutes of purchasing, I received a QR code, scanned it, and was ready to go.
Unlimited data options: This was crucial for my work; I didn’t want to worry about running out of data during video calls or while uploading files.
Reliable coverage: Whether I was in a small Romanian village for a wedding or on a beach in Cascais, my connection stayed strong.
Simple management: No need to top up or constantly check my balance.
For multi-country trips in Europe, eSIMs are particularly handy. Holafly offers regional plans that work seamlessly across borders, no more swapping SIMs or juggling multiple numbers when crossing borders. This makes them perfect for people who, like me, hop between countries frequently or spend long stretches working remotely in different cities.
Mobile Internet in 3 Easy steps
(1) select the country or region in which you want mobile internet
(2) choose the period during which you need coverage
(3) follow activation instructions and turn on data roaming
At you can see from the timestamps on the screenshots above, the whole set up took me exactly 5 minutes!
Conclusion
If you’re planning to travel around Europe, whether for a holiday, work, or a mix of both, an eSIM is hands down the best way to stay connected. After trying several providers, Holafly became my go-to for its accessibility, flexibility, and simplicity. Whether you’re dancing at a destination wedding, exploring new cities, or working remotely, having stable internet makes every experience smoother.
Next time you’re packing for a trip, skip the stress of finding a local SIM and set up your eSIM before you even leave home. Trust me: your future self will thank you.
đź’ˇ Get 5% off your eSIM!
Planning your next trip? Use my exclusive code SOPHIEPOMME when purchasing your Holafly eSIM to get 5% off any plan you choose.
Stay connected across Europe with just a quick scan!
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